Dry, flaky skin can easily be reversed - read our quick tips to find out how.

Dry flaky skin usually occurs on the hands, shins, and feet. It's especially common during the winter months when the air has less moisture. Dry skin as a medical condition poses many problems because it acts in a seemingly perpetual cycle. Dry flaky skin loses essential moisture easily which in turn causes the formation of more dry flaky skin. In general dry skin can be treated at home without having to visit your physician.

Here are 5 easy tips for healing dry, flaky skin:

Moisturize as soon as you get out of the shower. Look for moisturizers with plenty of oils. Feel it. The creamier the better.

Decrease your shower water temperature. Hot water easily evaporates and takes away moisture. Try taking a lukewarm bath along with bath oils.

Avoid harsh drying soaps. Look for soaps that contain moisturizers.

Invest in a humidifier for your bedroom if the humidity drops below 60%.

For healing dry and cracked hands and feet nothing works better than Vaseline at night. Apply a thin layer and wear cotton gloves and socks to bed.

Prevention is the best way to avoid dry, flaky skin. Winterize your skin to prevent dry skin from happening to you.

Similar to preparing your home and car for winter it's important to prepare your skin for the winter months. Low humidity, cold winds, and overheated homes all contribute to the formation of dry skin. During the winter months try to maximize the moisture in your skin by shielding it from the elements. Cold wind can easily zap the moisture out of your skin leaving it very dry. Also remember that overheating your home or sleeping with an electric blanket set too high can just as effective as cold wind in taking away your skin's moisture.

Learn more about dry skin . Also read our tips on how to look younger, deal with age spots, and how to pick the right wrinkle cream.